Amarillo library's program encourages reading all summer long
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The Amarillo library's summer reading program is in full swing, and just about every day in June the public will be able to find an event at a branch in Amarillo.
The program encourages children to stay engaged in reading during the summer.
"If they do reading over the summer, they'll keep their reading levels up and they'll do a lot better in school the first couple of months. Studies have shown that kids who don't read over the summer typically lose two months of reading skills from the previous year, and it takes them awhile to regain those, so we're trying to encourage that so they can be successful," said Pat Mullin, youth services coordinator for the Amarillo Public Library.The way the program works is that children accumulate reading time and record it on a daily log. They turn the log in and qualify for prizes.
The reading can be done by parents, role models or by students themselves.
On Monday, the Amarillo Dusters sent a couple of players to read to children at the Northwest branch, and to stress the importance of reading.
Practically every day during the month of June, readers are able to find an event to check out. Here a few examples:
* Arabian horses at the Southwest branch on June 17
* Hose down with the fire department at the Northwest branch on June 22
* The Dusters will be at the East branch on the June 23
* The Kwahadi Indian dancers will visit the North branch on June 26
Keep in mind these are just a few examples. There are many more events at all of the branches, so stop by and grab a calendar.
So far the response has been positive.
"I think the children like everything about it, they like getting the prizes, they like to color in the stars when they read for 15 minutes, they like the programs, we've got some pretty exciting programs this summer in a variety of topics, there is something that will please everybody," said Mullin.
One of those popular programs is the pajama party story time held at the Northwest branch. Children bring pajamas, pillows and enjoy a relaxing story time/pajama party. These happen every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The Amarillo library system also made some changes to hours of operation as well. Now all branches in Amarillo are open 7 days a week to better accommodate visitors and computer usage.
